Tough Royale Salute polo today at ACC

EXPECT not only a fierce and exciting showdown between the Blue and Red teams but also a throng of powerful  personalities to cheer the protagonists on when the first Royale  Salute Polo tournament  is held today at Alabang Country Club.

Leading the Red Team in the high-goal tournament backed by Globalport Polo is businessman and sports patron Mikee  Romero, who helped his  team win three major titles in the US last year.
Also in the Red team are American pro Anthony Garcia, British Jake Gordon and Alabang Country Club Polo chair Lope Juban Jr.

The Reds will be spearheaded by 2007 SEA games polo captain Antonio Veloso in the tournament which is likely to draw  another good mix of VIPs from business and sports worlds.

The five 7-minute chukkers showdown starts at 4 p.m.

“Royale Salute is a major sponsor of the Polo international circuit and playing here is already an achievement for a Filipino polo player,” said Juban.

Juban said among the royalties who have already played in a Royale Salute tournament are England’s Princes William and Harry.
He expects an intense action since both squads have similar 6-goal handicaps.

Out to provide stability and firepower for the Blue team are fast-rising Adrian Garcia, Santi Juban and Lloyds Bank director Patrick Furlong of Argentina.

Prior to the high-goal tournament, a low-goal round robin game featuring three teams will vie for the championship  with Jerome Hernandez leading Team A, Sonny Borromeo for Team B and American Jim Donovan for Team C.
Royale Salute officials intend to stage the event annually in Alabang to help boost the confidence of Filipino polo players.